Touchstone Law Group LLP
#208 – 1664 Richter Street
Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 8N3
Office Tel: (250) 448-2637
Toll Free: 1 (855) 889-2637
Direct Fax: (778) 484-7101
info@touchstone.law
03
JUN
2019

Name Registrations on Title

When purchasing (or otherwise acquiring) real property, it is important to consider the best way to have your name shown on title.  We frequently come across individuals who have multiple names (or variations thereof) shown on their identification and how their name shows on...
20
MAY
2019

Non-Conforming Strata Properties

  Occasionally, we hear from owners of stratified properties where there are only a few units, or stratified duplexes, that their strata is “non-conforming”.  Often, these smaller strata properties do not vote as an active strata council, collect strata fees, have a contingency...
01
APR
2019

What Happens If a Co-Owner of Real Estate Dies?

  It is common for two or more individuals to own real estate together as co-owners. Before purchasing real estate with another individual it is important to consider what will happen if you or one of the other co-owners passes away. In this article we will discuss what happens...
18
MAR
2019

GST on Purchases of Real Property

  The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax at the federal level that is charged on the sale of most products and services in Canada, including real estate. As defined in the Excise Tax Act, “the entering into the agreement shall be deemed to be a supply of the property or...
19
FEB
2019

Speculation Tax Update

On February 22, 2018, the B.C. budget introduced its new proposed speculation tax which was brought into law on November 27, 2018 under the Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act, SBC 2018 c.46. The B.C. speculation tax targets owners of residential properties in parts of B.C. whose...
04
FEB
2019

Purchasing a Property: Reviewing the Municipal File

When purchasing a property, whether residential or commercial, it is a wise idea to review the information on file with the relevant city/town/municipality/regional district.  The buyer should consider whether to include a specific subject for the review of the relevant file in...
30
JAN
2019

Speculation Tax Update: It’s an Individual Tax not a Property Tax

After the reviewing the Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act, SBC 2018, c 46 (the “Act”) and chatting with Service B.C. representatives, we can advise that the speculation and vacancy tax is an individual tax not a property tax. So, what does that mean?  It means that that the tax is...
04
DEC
2018

Purchasing a Property: Reviewing the Municipal File

When purchasing a property, whether residential or commercial, it is a wise idea to review the information on file with the relevant city/town/municipality/regional district.  The buyer should consider whether to include a specific subject for the review of the relevant file in...
03
OCT
2018

Buying a New Home: Things to Consider

Purchasing a new property can be overwhelming for many people – particularly those who are going through it for the first time or those who have not done so in a long time.  There are so many things to consider both prior to writing and submitting an offer on a property as well...
08
AUG
2018

Do I need a lawyer (or notary) to sell my home?

From time to time, we get asked by clients or potential clients whether they are required to have a lawyer (or notary) to complete the sale of a property.  While it is not always necessary, in most cases a lawyer or notary will be required to facilitate the transaction in British...